Opinion poll
Topic: Elections and the Electoral System · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
An opinion poll is a survey taken before voting to find out whom people plan to vote for. In India, publishing one is banned only during the silence period. Under Section 126 of the RPA 1951, this is the 48 hours before polling ends. The Election Commission has proposed a longer ban, but it has not become law. The worry is that poll results may sway voters at the last minute.
Example
A TV channel may broadcast an opinion poll a week before a Lok Sabha phase. It cannot broadcast one in the final 48 hours before polling in that area ends.
Don't confuse with
- Exit poll: This survey asks people whom they voted for after they leave the booth. Under s.126A (2009), exit poll results cannot be published from the start of the first phase until half an hour after the last phase ends.
Related concepts
- Security deposit
- Model Code of Conduct
- cVIGIL
- Corrupt practices
- Electoral offences
- Silence period
- Exit poll